“This is a higher growth rate than the overall UK figure of 4% and the highest percentage increase of any UK country.

“The figures show just how important trade with the EU is.

“Exports of goods to the EU are up 18% to £15.7 billion and more specifically exports of oil and gas to the EU are up 37% from £5.7 billion to £7.8 billion.

“They demonstrate in pounds and pence the competitive disadvantage Scotland will suffer compared to Northern Ireland under the UK Government’s current proposals.

“They also show the importance of Scotland staying in the single market and customs union, which is eight times bigger than the UK market alone, because trade with the EU makes up more than half of Scotland’s exports.”